Wild Grief

Walking with you on your

grief journey.

Wild Grief’s Mission

We facilitate peer groups for children and adults who are grieving a death by creating the space for sharing, connection and healing in nature.

Wild Grief's Vision

A vital, resilient, and connected community with a healthy response to death.

Programs & Numbers

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We have nature walks, hikes, backpacking and camping trips for families with children of all ages, for teens, young adults, and adults.

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All of our programs are offered at no cost to participate, and we provide gear, food, and support with transportation as needed.

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Last year we served over 350 participants from all across Western WA through 40 different programs. The majority of our participants come from Thurston, Pierce, and King counties.

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On post-program surveys, 99% of participants say they would recommend the program to someone else who was grieving.

Hikes

“It was a very welcoming space.

I felt open to share things that I usually don't feel comfortable speaking out.”

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Available for Families, Teens, and all-ages groups. Also offered in Spanish (Caminata en Familia).

4-day Wilderness Backpacking Adventures

For 13-18 year olds and 19-25 year olds

“Words cannot describe how fulfilling and amazing this experience is!” -Parent of a 2024 Teen Backpacker

Family Campout

Unique program that supports the whole family system.

Peer support with different age groups as well as family group activities.

Parent group learns about parenting grieving children and well as space for their own grief.

“I was overwhelmed trying to comfort my child's’ grief, while feeling my grief, and also didn’t know if my health impaired child could camp. Wild Grief supported us in all these ways.”

-Family Campout Mom

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“It was a life changing experience for our whole family. To get a break from daily life, be outdoors, and process our loss in such a safe space empowered us” -Family Campout Parent

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Hear directly from youth participants!

https://tinyurl.com/FamilyCampYouth

How do youth and families get involved?

• Registration and application forms are on our website: www.wildgrief.org/programs

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• Email, call, or text for a warmer handoff. I can support families through the process.

monica@wildgrief.org/360-358-3213

• Our overnight programs have an application process with an intake conversation over zoom, for our hikes you directly register.

Our Approach

Normalizing Grief

Worden’s 4 Tasks

Nothing to Fix

Peer Support

Cultural Responsiveness

Healing Power of Nature

Movement

Normalizing Grief

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• Grief is a natural response to death and loss.
• There is no “right” way to grieve.
• Grief can overwhelm.
• Grief can be complicated.
• We, as helpers, seek to be authentic, compassionate, and honest.

Worden’s 4 Tasks

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• Contrast to 5 Stages
• Potentially helpful structure
• Descriptive and intentional
• Reworded away from clinician-speak

1. Accept the reality of the loss
2. Feel the feelings
3. Make plans and adapt to changes
4. Make a new relationship with the person who died

Nothing to Fix

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• We don’t offer advice.�
• There is no magical end point to grief.

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• Grief is a natural response to the death of someone important in your life.

Peer Support

• We facilitate peer connections.
• Grief held by a trusting community.
• Grief is witnessed by others who understand.
• Leaders are involved, curious, and honest.

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Cultural Responsiveness

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• Hold inclusive spaces where all feel respected.
• Grief is shaped by many factors.
• We create a safe space to show up authentically.
• Ongoing process — not a box to check.

Healing Power of Nature

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• Nature provides metaphor.
• Time in nature linked to improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.
• Escape from daily habits (screens, schedules, home life, school, work).
• Awakens senses.
• Nature can hold our grief.

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Movement

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• Feelings and experiences are embodied and may be revealed.
• Opens a person to new thoughts, insights, and experiences.
• Helps with emotional regulation.
• Moving can reduce the anxiety of sharing.

Our Favorite Resources

Dougy Center

https://www.dougy.org/resources

Eluna Network

https://elunanetwork.org/resource-library/

Camp Erin

www.elunanetwork.com/camps-programs/camp-erin

Camp Rosey

www.tahomaindiancenter.org/youth-camps

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How to stay connected with Wild Grief

Sign up for our newsletter:

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tinyurl.com/WildGriefNewsletter

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Follow us on Socials:

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www.facebook.com/WildGrief

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www.instagram.com/wildgrief_olympia

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Questions?

Thank you!

See you on the trail.

www.wildgrief.org